{{quote|From the mattock and hoe to the horse and mule, the cotton gin and reaper, the tractor and air seeder—this is the story of farm equipment. Today, most farms are mechanized and farmers can do most of their own maintenance work and make the adjustments needed on their many intricate farm implements.}}

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== Merit badge requirements ==

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{{reqs||merit badge }}

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:1. List 10 common tools found in a well-equipped farm shop and explain how to safely use each one.

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:2. Do the following:

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::a. List ten safety devices in a well-equipped farm shop and explain the function of each.

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::b. Demonstrate proper safety apparel and equipment to be worn and used when operating a grinder, wire-brush wheel, welder, or drill.

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::c. Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out mandatory safety devices and features in the shop.

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:3. Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

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::a. Diesel engine

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::b. Hydraulic system

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::c. Transmission or any other power system.

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:4. Do TWO of the following:

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::a. Replace the handle on any tool found on the farm.

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::b. Build a tool rack with storage for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.

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::c. Properly grind the mushroom head off of a chisel or punch.

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::d. Correctly grind or file a screwdriver tip.

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:5. Do ONE of the following:

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::a. Make the necessary adjustments to ready a piece of farm equipment or machinery for field operation.

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::b. Choose a piece of farm machinery or equipment. Check all nuts, bolts, and screws. Tighten any that are loose. Replace those that are missing, worn, or damaged.

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::c. Repair broken or worn farm machinery or equipment.

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:6. Make a list of safety precautions for adjustments or repairs you make for requirement 5.

::b. With any farm machine, do a daily service check for field use. (Do things needed for best field performance.)

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::c. Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.

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:8. Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer, technician, or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance. Ask why it is important. What are the costs? What happens that causes wear or damage? Report what you discovered.

[http://www.scouting.org/BoyScouts/AdvancementandAwards/MeritBadges.aspx Per the BSA:] ''You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject.'' Merit badge pamplets are available at your local [http://www.scoutstuff.org/BSASupply/storeloc.aspx Scout Shop] or online at [http://www.scoutstuff.org/ ScoutStuff.org].

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== Help with these requirements ==

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== See also ==

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{{Merit Badge See also}}

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== External links ==

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== External links ==

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*1, 2: [http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/structu/ae1066w.htm How to Plan a Farm Shop]From North Dakota State University; includes sections on tools and safety.

*1, 2: [http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/structu/ae1066w.htm How to Plan a Farm Shop]From North Dakota State University; includes sections on tools and safety.

Contents

From the mattock and hoe to the horse and mule, the cotton gin and reaper, the tractor and air seeder—this is the story of farm equipment. Today, most farms are mechanized and farmers can do most of their own maintenance work and make the adjustments needed on their many intricate farm implements.

”

Farm Mechanics merit badge requirements

Do the following:

a. Discuss with your counselor the safety equipment, tools, and clothing used while checking or repairing farm equipment. Use this equipment, tools, and/or clothing (when needed or called for) in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.

b. Draw a plan showing a well-equipped farm shop. Point out the shop's mandatory safety devices and features.

c. Find all the universal warning and safety symbols on a piece of equipment and explain what they mean.

d. Describe what a material safety data sheet (MSDS) is and tell why it is used. Obtain the MSDS for any engine coolant, oil, grease, fuel, hydraulic or transmission fluid, or other flammable or hazardous materials you use in meeting the requirements for this merit badge.

Explain how power is produced or transferred in a:

a. Diesel engine

b. Hydraulic system

c. Transmission or any other power system.

Do TWO of the following:

a. Replace the handle on any tool found on the farm.

b. Organize a tool rack or a storage system for nails, bolts, nuts, and washers.

c. Using a hand file, properly dress the mushroom head of a chisel or punch.

d. Correctly grind or file a screwdriver tip.

Do ONE of the following:

a. On an engine-powered machine: grease all fittings, change the oil and oil filter, clean the air filter, clean the radiator fins, and replace the fuel filters.

b. For any engine-powered machine, create a preoperational checklist; include checking the engine coolant, engine oil, hydraulic and/or transmission fluid, and battery voltage (using a voltmeter). Using your checklist, conduct a preoperational check of that machinery or equipment.

c. Prepare any farm machine for winter storage.

Visit an implement dealer. Interview the dealer, technician, or service manager for hints on good preventive maintenance. Ask why it is important, the costs, and what causes wear or damage. Report what you learn.

Explain each step in ONE of the following maintenance procedures:

a. Tightening hydraulic fittings

b. Checking the air filter

d. Cleaning a work piece with a wire-brush wheel.

Find out about three career opportunities in farm mechanics. Pick one and find out about the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.